She added: “We’d encourage visitors to keep their eyes peeled next time they’re walking through the gardens.”
Although small numbers of the butterfly fly across the English Channel most years, the Queen of Spain fritillary had never bred in the UK consistently enough to be considered a true resident, experts at the project said.
In recent years, sightings have picked up, and this year had brought more reports of continental species than usual across southern England, which experts said was closely tied to the weather.
Lola said she was “really happy to have spotted a rare-to-the-UK butterfly”, with mum Sarah noting she loved learning about different species.
“Lola keeps a list of all the different butterflies she’s spotted. It’s been such a lovely way to enjoy nature and the outdoors together,” Sarah said.
